Alhamdulillah
(Praise be to God)

Praise be to God; whose compassion is all-embracing and whose mercy is universal; Who rewards His servants for their remembrance (dhikr) of Him.

So what is “praise”? What does it mean? According to Webster’s dictionary to praise means
“To express a favorable judgment of someone or something.”

“To glorify, especially by the attribution of perfections.”

“To say or write good things about (someone or something).”

“To express approval of (someone or something).”

“To express thanks to or love and respect for (God).”

Synonyms of Praise: Exalt, Extol, Glorify, Magnify

So we understand the meaning of this word but do we really understand the amount of power this simple word holds?  I think we underestimate when we casually say ALHAMDULILLAH. Do we really fathom the depth of us praising God? It is generally a matter of habit, a casual flow of words for us.

The day we realize the real depth of this simple word, that’s the day we have unlocked the solution to

overcoming most of our problems in life. Praising God is a form of Zikr and we know how God loves and showers His mercy on anyone who praises Him!

So what does it mean when we say Praise God?

In a spiritual context, it is an act of our will that flows out of an awe and reverence for our Creator. Praise gives glory to God and opens us up to a deeper union with Him. It turns our attention off of our problems and onto appreciating the greatness of God.

As we focus our minds on God and proclaim His goodness, the results can fill us with peace and contentment and transform our outlook on life just by praising Him.

Reasons to praise        
We praise God because He is worthy of praise. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the King of kings. He is our Creator, Provider, Healer, Redeemer, Judge, Defender and much more.

Another fundamental reason to praise God is simple ‘obedience.’ God has commanded us to praise Him as does everything in the heavens and everything on earth, be it angels, birds, mountains

and rocks, in the way God has taught them.

[Quran 17:44] Glorifying Him (God) are the seven universes, the earth, and everyone in them. There is nothing that does not glorify Him, but you do not understand their glorification. He is Clement, Forgiver.

Praising God allows us to defeat the strategies of the enemy. It is a powerful spiritual weapon. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction. We would worry less if we praised more. Praising God is the quickest way to change the atmosphere.

The following is a story that is mentioned in the Bible. We know that the Bible has been tampered with; however there is good learning from this story. Historically (if this story is true), this has to be one of the most unconventional ways to try to defend a country under siege. Whoever heard of an army being led by a group of singers and musicians? But sing and play they did. Here is the account from the Bible’s book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 20.

Word was rushed to Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, announcing the swift

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